An investigation has uncovered evidence suggesting that federal government employees may have been involved in a systematic diversion of public funds intended for the payment of electricity bills.
This has been particularly prevalent between 2021 and 2023.
Official records reveal that over 34 ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), including the Nigerian Army headquartered in Abuja, were encouraged to bypass budgetary allocations.
As a result, substantial unpaid electricity bills amounting to over N10.01 billion have accumulated, despite specific provisions in the annual national budgets.
This diversion has resulted in an alarming fiscal deficit that burdens both the current and future administrations.
Earlier this year, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) publicly stated that the Presidential Villa and 85 MDAs collectively owe a staggering N47 billion for electricity supplied. It also issued a stern warning of disconnection if the debts, particularly the Nigerian army’s outstanding N12 billion, remained unpaid.
This investigation obtained budgets from the Presidential Villa and 34 MDAs, shedding light on the flow of revenue allocated for electricity charges.
Notably, electricity payment ranks as a first-line charge in the recurrent component of the budget.
Among the notable debtors, the Presidential Villa owes N923 million; FCT Ministry, N7.5 billion; Ministry of Finance, N5.4 billion; Niger State Governor – Abuja Liaison Office, N3.4 billion; Ministry of State Petroleum, N2.1 billion; Ministry of Education, N1.8 billion, and CBN Governor, N1.5 billion.
